NHL Insider reveals two unrestricted free agents the New York Rangers are set to target this offseason
The New York Rangers will need to retool the lineup if they're unable to secure a spot in the NHL playoffs. With the San Jose Shark starting the elimination ceremonies, the team could look different in July if they're unable to secure the 2nd wild card spot in the East.
The New York Rangers will need to look into alternate ways of building a team rather than a full rebuild.
While the Tampa Bay Lightning did build a winning team with a draft and develop strategy, teams like the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights used free agency, and trade to build their cup-winning teams.
It's not smart to unload the entire cache to build a winning roster, as GM Kelly McCrimmon's method isn't for everyone, and GM Chris Drury could find two RFAs in July to add to the center depth that is sorely lacking in New York.
Both are playing on contending NHL teams, and GM Chris Drury could offer sheet both players to buy low and win big.
Mavrik Bourque was considered one of the Stars' top prospects this season and has found himself in the bottom six as a two-way center. He's managed to score ten goals in sixty games in a primarily defensive role for the Stars and could find himself in a bigger role with the Rangers.
The Stars will be pressed against the cap and will have to figure out how to sign six UFAs, veterans mainly. The Rangers could take advantage of this internal weakness and offer sheet Bourque and watch him grow in New York.
With veteran UFAs coming first in contract negotiations, RFAs will end up being next in line, and considering
Sam Bennett and
Aaron Ekblad helped deliver a cup to Florida, it's likely they'll take priority over RFA center Samoskevich.
The Rangers could utilize an offer sheet to weaken the Panthers prospect pool and secure a player with more potential than we've seen in the team's deep lineup.
This season he's scored 25 points (13 goals, 12 assists) in 59 games with the Panthers.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
POLL |
MARS 19 | 764 ANSWERS NHL Insider reveals two unrestricted free agents the New York Rangers are set to target this offseason Who do you think would be the better option for the New York Rangers to acquire in the offseason? |
Mackie Samoskevich | 330 | 43.2 % |
Mavrik Bourque | 434 | 56.8 % |
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